Inside a Pennsylvania Starter Home With Country Charm

With dopamine decor and neutral color palettes competing to capture the design zeitgeist, it can be hard to know how to proceed once you’ve committed to a remodel. Do you go all-in on bright and bold hues or keep things minimalist and chill? Sometimes though, you discover a project that meets somewhere in the middle, opting for a classic, timeless appeal that makes an argument for moving to the countryside (or at least emulating it)—and aligning your redesign with its bucolic setting. Said project? Far Studio’s transformation of a Pennsylvania property into a cozy, contemporary haven.

Alongside her husband, Brittany Wurzak Hakimfar founded the Philadelphia-based design firm, Far Studio in 2017. Their projects exude a thoughtful curation of natural materials, textures, and patterns. Each home is distinct but cohesive, evoking an approach to design that pairs lived-in charm with high-end aspiration.

Far Studio Founder, Brittany Wurzak Hakimfar Reflects on Renovating a Residential Gem

It’s evident from the images alone that Brittany has a gift for contrasting natural light with moody elegance. Rather than feeling cramped or cluttered, she opened up the space with built-ins, strategic window placements, and paint colors that evoke a pastoral calm. Brittany layers complementary materials to capture a visual interest while maintaining an underlying coherence. She understands the importance of playing to the opposing ends of the design spectrum—working with negative space to find the inherent beauty within.

I sat down with Brittany for an inside peek into how she approached the project. From designing for the homeowners’ lifestyle to infusing the space with an enduring allure, this is how Far Studio makes a house a vibrant, beautiful home. Step inside, let’s take a tour.

When someone walks into a space and says it looks like a Far Studio interior, then I have done my job. 

Brittany Wurzak Hakimfar

Brittany Wurzak Hakimfar is the founder and lead designer of Far Studio, a full-service Interiors & Lifestyle studio is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brittany graduated from George Washington University with a major in interior design where she then began her career in New York City working for Mark Cunningham. In 2012, she moved to Los Angeles to work with renowned AD100 designer Waldo Fernandez for five years where she honed her skills in high-end residential and commercial design. She then returned to her hometown of Philadelphia to begin her own design firm and start a family.

Tell us about the space. What were the homeowners’ goals in remodeling the home?

This was a wonderful home to design! It was on a charming street in a great and walkable area, and the home had a lot of charm and potential. The homeowners were a young family with one little girl and a little boy on the way. They wanted the house to feel special and timeless while still being practical for small children.

The house needed a full remodel and some space planning. In the beginning, we wanted to best figure out the flow of the home and how the clients would live. The master suite also needed a full rework. We took that space down to the studs and completely relaid out the rooms to give a beautiful primary bathroom with a large shower, vanity and tub, and a large walk-in closet. This made for an amazing master suite.

The other rooms were reworked as well, and every finish was touched so that it felt like a new home with the qualities and characteristics of a classic house with a lot of character.

There’s a certain moodiness that feels elevated but approachable expressed in the paint, dark trims, and neutral accents throughout the home. What is the inspiration behind the color scheme?

Paint can transform a space, and we created a color story early on for the home. Each room had its own mood and feeling that the color helped to create. I also love doing lighter furniture in a darker room to create a beautiful contrast.

Talk to us about a room that you particularly love.

My favorite room in this house is the kitchen. The green we selected was Farrow & Ball Lichen, and it was a perfect color for the space. Then, we used the beautiful handmade pendant lights from Lostine and a stunning Rohl bridge faucet. 

You layered in some incredible decor accents. What were some of your greatest finds? Where are your favorite spots to source vintage decor?

For accessories and styling pieces, we love to use vintage and found objects. We spend a lot of time sourcing pieces for our studio that feel special and unique. We source from all over the U.S. and the world!

You have a talent for keeping the spaces you design balanced and timeless, as well as minimal yet warm. What’s your secret? 

I love to use natural and good materials that will stand the test of time.

Bringing in texture and unique neutral colors to create a warm and layered space is key.

What advice can you share for those who are new to design?

Find your style! I have a strong sense of style and of what I like and that can lend itself to many different styles of homes, yet there is always an element that carries through my designs that feels like me. When someone walks into a space and says it looks like a Far Studio interior, then I have done my job.